If you are looking for the perfect introduction to theatre for your children – and something rather unique to do with them these school holidays – then the Wind in the Willows in the Sydney Botanic Gardens is what you’re after.
The gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale about the adventures of Toad, Rat, Mole and friends, performed by the Australian Shakespeare Company.
Marianne Bragg has directed the production for all of its 22 years in the ‘stunning’ gardens, and says the ‘picturesque environment’ for the family-oriented show is one of the reasons she has kept returning.
“Part of the charm of doing it in the gardens is a lot of the families and people that come to the show haven’t been (there) in a long time. And they realise what an amazing part of Sydney it is.”
The show starts by the pond with Rat on his ‘riverbank’ inviting the audience to his picnic. Families are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, food and drinks (alcohol is allowed!). After the first half, Chief Rabbit invites everyone to pack up their belongings and visit ‘Toad Hall,’ set up in front of a magnificent jacaranda where the second part of the story evolves. At the end there’s also a search for missing Otter in the wild wood, another adventure for the children to enjoy.
“I always hire a child actor to share that role, and it is always really good for the kids to see someone so small who’s just like them,” Marianne explains.
Lest adults think they will just be scrolling on their phones for 90 minutes, Marianne says there is plenty to entertain them, with actors who have ‘amazing voices’ performing several songs. “Badger might push out a little bit of ACDC doing Back in Black,” Marianne explains. “Whereas Mole might sing a bit of Miley Cyrus. It’s little things like that that we try. We keep it fresh, also so the audience really gets a sense that it’s still contemporary.”
There are plenty of jokes for the adults – without compromising family values – which Marianne says helps get them engaged. “We do what I would class as a comedy routine at the top, where it really does invite the adults to not read a book.
“And I think it’s the music in particular that really will get people’s ears pricked up and they (realise) it’s not just for kids. So we put in a bit of Elvis or we might do a bit of McCartney this year because he’s coming to Sydney.”
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney 5 to 28 January, 2024 willowslive.com.au / 9011 7704
